May 8, 2007

Click Here for Video of the Check Presentation

CINCINNATI - This time last year, Follett and Xavier University came together in search of a fundraising initiative to benefit charity and unite the Xavier Nation. Based on an annual t-shirt program at the University of Notre Dame, the concept of one shirt designed annually by Xavier students was born. This idea has grown into the annual X Shirt campaign to benefit a local charity. This morning a check from the proceeds was presented to Matthew 25: Ministries, the first beneficiary of the initiative.

This year's inaugural program exceeded expectations by selling over 2,500 shirts. Joodi Archer from Matthew 25: Ministries, the benefiting charity of the 2006-2007 X Shirt, was present to accept the check of the proceeds from the sale for $6,400.

Many people worked to make The X Shirt a reality: Bob Scholl, Vice President and Director of Western Operations for Follett, Joe D'Antonio, Director of the Xavier Bookstore, Gary Massa, Vice President for University Relations for Xavier University, Tom Barlow, Director of Auxiliary Services for Xavier University, Mike Dunn, Associate Athletics Director for Xavier University, Matt Tripepi, co-advisor to The X Shirt Committee and Xavier Director of E-Marketing and E-Philanthropy, Mark Gazdik, co-advisor to The X Shirt and Assistant Director for Marketing for Xavier University and Nick Madine, Paul Moeller, Matt Robinson, the X-treme Fans and members of the 2006-2007 X Shirt Committee.

Thank you once again to all of the Xavier Nation who contributed to this great program by purchasing a shirt this year. The 2007-2008 X Shirt Design will be unveiled in early September, with a goal of providing even more funds to local charities.